Think Your Eggs Are Fresh? Think Again.

Some like them sunny side up, some like them scrambled but no one likes a rotten egg, am I right? The freshness and quality of an egg is highly dependent on its eggshell. Eggshells have fine pores around the surface to prevent bacteria and air from entering the environment. If the egg is old or expired, its protective coating becomes thin and the pores become more open, resulting in the egg being easily contaminated by bacteria. Here’s how you can spot the freshness of an egg.

1. SMELL IT

The scent of an egg is probably the most noticeable tell tale sign to determine an egg’s freshness. Damaged eggs will produce a bad odour. If you encounter this, remove the eggs immediately. This widely believed tactic has made it customary for many to smell their eggs before using them.

2. CHECK OUT THE EGG YOLK VS THE EGG WHITE

Break the eggs first to see its inside. Fresh eggs have a yolk that looks strong and has a nice round shape.

If the egg is old, the egg yolk may appear a bit thick and liquid. Occasionally, some are attached to the eggshell. Also, you should also note the egg white state.

If you notice the egg white appearing cloudy in colour and slightly sticky, this means the egg is still fresh. But if it produces a very clear colour and looks liquid, the egg is probably long gone.

3. SOAK EGGS IN WATER

Another popular way to spotcheck an egg’s quality is to soak it in a bowl of cold water and see if it sinks or floats.

Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom while the old eggs will rise to the surface.

This is because the older the egg is, the more air has entered through the pores on the eggshells, causing it to float more easily.

4. CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE & STORE IT WELL

Most eggs sold in supermarkets will be marked with an expiration date either on the packaging box or on the eggshell surface. Do you check them before purchasing?

To prevent contaminated eggs at home, store them in the fridge, remove any cracked eggs and cook them properly before serving.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the major risk of eating bad eggs is Salmonella bacterial infections that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Now, that’s not a risk worth taking.

This article is written by our writer. Feel free to share.